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There’s Plenty You Should Know About Social Security Disability Benefits!

Life is unpredictable. When something interrupts your plans, it’s good to know there’s a way to supplement your income, in case of an unexpected life event.

Social Security has a strict definition of disability based on your inability to work and provide for yourself and your family. Disability benefits are available only to people with impairments so severe that they prevent any kind of significant, profitable work. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

We pay disability via two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program, for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be eligible, and the Supplemental Security Income program, which pays benefits based on financial need.

When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you. Our disability examiners will make a decision about whether or not you can do work that you did before, adjust to other work because of your medical condition, and if your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or is likely to result in death.

Certain factors may speed or delay the decision in your case, like the nature of your disability and how quickly we can get your medical records. We may also need to send you for an additional medical examination at no cost to you.

If you would like to apply for disability benefits, you can use our online application. It has several advantages, including immediately starting the process, no waiting to get an appointment, and no trip to a Social Security Office. It’s easy, convenient, and secure.

You can find out everything there is to know about disability benefits online.

I have been on both sides of the table, giving the intake evaluation and receiving the evaluation. It is very tough on both accounts. The person giving the intake is overworked and emotional drained. The person receiving the intake is exhausted, sick, and broken – emotionally, physically, and financially. It is hard to think of these things on both sides of the table when every day is a battle. To serve and give help and to ask and receive help. We need to try to remember we are all people who need kindness and understanding. It is difficult when so much is happening, but it is all in our best interest to try and give a bit of kindness. Sometimes a person just needs to know they are worth being heard, on both sides of the table. Is important to fight for yourself, but not so much that you miss out on help or acts of kindness. I have been on a long battle for my health for almost 15 years. I have learned to step back to protect myself, but to also listen. One last thing, document every call, every event, every thing. It will protect you and save you time, money and energy. Thank you

Well on this letter it says I’m supposed to get 2000 every nine months some of the information has been deleted as well plus the money issue that was erased off the computer in booth h or f I’m not sure but there was a banking account in Odessa texas that stated Mae bending for mindy mccullough at Odessa tx permian. Based federal credit union they may have possibly changed the bank to west Texas educators when lisa morales stole my social security card and birth cirtificates to get an I’d with her pic and my identification at the dps office in which they informed me the same day doris joy mccullough renweed her licence at that same time I walked in to get an I’d last summer or the summer before last I’m not sure but Mae bending gave my money that was the amount erased to lisa morales who signed, it over to her self or has a mindy mccullough banking account or credit card that she is spending while she faked her death and is acting like she is me with the I’d she elegally got with my stolen identification.

This is a beautiful statement, and one which is appropriate and relevant to every question or issue we face as humans every day. Thank you for sharing this truly valuable thought. What a wonderful world it would be if we could all try to keep this in mind whenever we’re dealing with another person. Being kind is more productive than being “right.”

Lisa morales killed some one to fake her death and you may inform military or the feds that she is in a invisible suit and that she had a lion she let loose and all kinds of stuff I need someone to contact an officer for me my numbers 2542463679

First, that was not her question…and second, two wrongs never make a right..so the question was how to report rude treatment at a local office by an employee. Not every employee has good people skills and this shows a lack of proper training as well.

always remember that everyone has one of those kind of days. You may have visited her on the worse part of it. One thing I know about most of the intake and claims people at SSI, they are all seasoned folk. I would bet that there is something you said that was either off color, or touched a nerve in her. Think about it a while. Remember, if you file a complaint, first of all….unless she went completely off the wall, or did or said something so egregious, the complaint will most likely be filed as unfounded. Second, and more importantly, workmates look out for each other. Supervisors tend to protect their team members, and your complaint will follow you. And I can tell….when it comes to SSD, you don’t need any other delays or rejections while navigating the system !! Count to ten, and continue on your long journey !

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I don’t know how disability works or what needs to be done in order to receive it but, I’m sure I know someone who is committing fraud in the system, that and also the care someone is supposed to be giving her. I don’t know what to do about it or if I even should?
This is our hard earned dollars being abused and why our country is in such a mess.

How do you know? To qualify for Social Security Disability, one must have medical confirmation of a disability so severe as to make gainful employment impossible. All cases are periodically reviewed, with the recipients’ doctors needing to provide verification that one is unable to pursue gainful employment. Our govt. does, indeed, work to ensure that no one is receiving a penny of aid for which they don’t qualify.

I know of two (one in particular) ALJ’s whom also work hard at ignoring the factual evidence and finding a way to manipulate an outcome to appease his “vision” &/or “opinion” of what disability looks like… – which is completely wrong for a judge to do. The judge should look at the facts, look at the evidence provided, the information The medical professional provides ( as he obviously thought he knew more than my doctor )
Having severe mental disabilities is so… I can’t find the words extremely extremely difficult to not only try to live moreover stay alive, on a daily basis but to be taken seriously in the eyes of the Social Security administration – understand the severity of what someone has gone through to get to the point where they’re asking the state for help… especially for someone who has worked in the past and paid into the system, i’ve read the protocol or job outline of an ALJ is to help a person get through the process to achieve a favorable decision NOT to throw out the statements requested and an individual’s medical history – if you are unable to tell I have had a devastating excruciating blow by being denied SSDI
(back when I had work credits) my doctor filled out the paperwork, provided treatment history as well as his own professional opinion all correctly and on time, yet the judge solid fit to throw it out leaving mean no case whatsoever he also threw out my statements, my father’s as well as another individual whom I met at my doctors office since I have no more friends, it’s not easy to have someone to fill out those packets… A) they’re not easy to fill out and if they are then it’s beyond my ability.. i have severe anxiety attacks thinking about this, how unjustly I was treated, without provocation.. what so ever.. to have everything “thrown out” literally! By the judges action and has only made my mental illness far more severe life is far more hopeless I never in 1 million trillion years thought I would be asking the state for help I wish I could explain but I am liking the ability other than now I suffer from PTSD over The judges disgustingly horrible disgraceful unprofessional opinion based decision, for a lack of more accurate wording. Not even a month went by before the unfavorable decision that I received a letter saying my credits have expired… I didn’t go to school to live “high on the hog” of Social Security, The entire process is degrading and shameful and to go through all that only to be denied this most basic life saving service I can no longer go on like this… The judge may as well just pulled the plug on my life support so to speak that was my last option… if I went in there to the hearing with the children and put on a show basically bullshitting ( wish I didn’t need to at least I didn’t feel I needed to) my parents raised me not to lie.” especially to the judicial system more over the government or someone/something of authority…
I’m sick so I can’t work and they Social Security administration fails to recognize not only professional physicians opinions but a law-abiding citizen with no criminal or any record of any kind whatsoever…
Maybe if I would’ve dumbed down my grammar, put on a show or acted things would be different.. that’s not me I can’t do that I’m a person of integrity and expect the same in return I cannot get over this.. this is my life that has been taken away by an elderly man. Which I can only assume doesn’t believe middle illness is exist, otherwise he would’ve respected my doctors treatment history and written opinion as well as my own, my witness and my fathers statements ( hey said he threw them out because they were medical professionals so they Weren’t educated to contribute to the decision – although they asked for the statements he threw them out literally, and my doctors, and they were something extremely shady between he and the attorney that was supposed to represent me yet she didn’t say one word throughout the entire hearing?
The law firm also failed to follow up with the appeal..
How can I not think something is shady there?
So here around on the verge of ending everything, and I know that Judge couldn’t give two shitz nor even one as to what happens to me.. how does someone who is unable to express their feelings thoughts & remember facts, times, events & experiences…. what they’re going through. How do they get the point across? An attorney? Who’s on the take? I cannot wrap my head around why she didn’t say one word throughout the entire hearing, and I had no clue at all The protocol of this process I put my faith in the system made my issues far far worse than they were before.. thanks Social Security administration! You were really there for me, because as you know, I’ve been paying you all my life and when I asked for help…. whats the use?
I wish all this would end… what i really wish is to simply have a fair hearing with a judge who understands or recognizes ( much like climate change is REAL not a hoax ) that mental disabilities prevent people from being able to work. They do exist although you can’t see them… I can’t believe what a sucker I was to believe that I would be done right by the system… what a fool…..

There are many people that receive benefits and use them for drugs and alcohol. They get a check one day and its gone two days later. They cause tax payers thousands of dollars a year in emergency room bills among other unnecessary expenses. And when reported to the SS Adm. Nothing gets done. I am a mandated reporter and can verify.

In the interest of the program/ always report suspected abuse. As the other person wrote…. people on the program are stringently vetted as being declared totally disabled, and unable to earn gainful employment. However, that is the case with recipients that have joined the program in the last 10 years or so. Before that however, those admitted got onto the system with relative ease. If you are in a position to view this suspected person over many different days, and conditions. And you feel more confident than not, that they could work at least part time, than go to SSI.gov and type “report abuse” in the search box. Don’t worry, most times, these folks are found to still be disabled.But better to file the complaint, than to take the chance that someone is abusing the system that you may need someday. But can’t get because the program is financially strained. i know people say that will never happen. But just look at our President and all the BS he is shoving at those less fortunate. He might just be the beginning of the end, to this and other programs !!

There are alot of people that need SSI including me. Others that get it for just there neck or psychology or etc just to get SSI. So they don’t have to work.I don’t get much a month. If everyone turned in all these people that don’t deserve it. Maybe we can get a. raise. My opinion turn them in. Be honest you will feel better about yourself.

Your post is so full of incorrect, false, and just plain ridiculous statements that I don’t even know where to begin. SSI and SSDI are two completely different things. to start with. For SSDI you have to have worked first least ten years and what you draw IF you become disabled and TOTALLY UNABLE to work EVER AGAIN, which takes literally years to prove to meet their tough standards for dissbility is determined by your WAGES during ALL your working years. Further, SSDI is funded by WORKERS’ SALARIES, money that’s taken out of every check you’ve ever made.

SSI is a SEPARATE program for disabled people who HAVE LITTLE TO NO INCOME or resources-in other words, poor people – and thus can’t work. It’s NOT funded by the Social Security accoun but is from the general fund, i.e., it is a form of welfare. Because the Social Security Administration is efficient, the SSA manages both programs to SAVE MONEY ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. Why have 2 agencies do the same thing when one can handle both?

Now, as far as people getting disability payments “for just there [sic] neck or psychology [sic],” you couldn’t be more incorrect and judgmental if you tried. As I and several other posters have said, it is extremely difficult to be approved for SSDI; it can take up to THREE YEARS, during which time you are having to come up with tons of CREDIBLE, REAL, CONVINCING PROOD, that also FITS INTO THE SSA’s definition of disabled. That is NOT easy, and no, people are NOT getting it by “faking” a hurt neck or “psychology.”

You clearly have absolutely NO medical knowledge, and since you obviously did not read this article, much less the website you are commenting on here, you have no udea how extremely difficult it is to prove your the SSA that you’re disabled enough to receive benefits. Even if they do finally rule that you are, they continue to REVIEW your case every few years as ling as you’re on disability, to make sure you are STILL TOTALLY disabled and unable to work at ANY job., Plus, they DO monitor any records that may be connected with you (taxes, income, support, inheritances, etc.) that might disqualify you from receiving benefits. These FALSE claims politicians – and people like you – make about “fraud, waste, and abuse” are FALSE.

The truth is, the biggest source of fraud and abuse in EVERY government program is CORPORATE FRAUD in the MILLIONS of dollars, not little people cadging the extra $100 here and thete, though they do prosecute them, too. But the government DOES catch and bust the corporated fraudsters every day. You can read every case report on the official government websites as these are a matter of public record if you want the facts, instead of swallowing without question the hatefu rantings of ill-informed, ignorant, biased radio and ultra right-wing “news” sources (like for instance Breitbart, that rag that publishes outrageous, insane stories they created out of thin air, bigotry, hatred, and greed).

If you cannot be bothered with the FACTS, then stop complaining and blaming your problems on innocent people whom you malign without a shred of evidence or even knowledge of what you’re talking about. And if you have a complaint about getting a “raise,” you should call your Congress persons, because CONGRESS VOTES WHETHER OR NOT SOCIAL SECURITY, WELFARE, or anyone else gets anything or cut or – what they’re working on now – nothing at all.

Amen, WOULD LOVE TO HAVE been able bodied and minded to work, knowing its hard, but this is hell, they know nothing of,, you should hear what I hear and feel right now, but you can’t and “YOU’RE MORE THAN BLESSED” Like God said, “DON’T JUDGE HER, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I ASKED HER TO DO” And could be part of the reason those that can work, do,,

Approved on SSDI July 15 after six months and half received the first benifits for January on end of Jan to 1st day of February. No RETROACTIVE for the first five months and Half. Just in case you die in a waiting period of Five months . Your Family get only for $ 255.00 for burial expenses . Nota single benifits of SSDI because you die in a waiting period of Five months! I think this is NOT FAIR to a member who is really Disabled and might die early on a sudden death like Hearthsttack , STROKE or others illness. There is no Benifits coming from any other Insurance like former employer.. Because the member is not working for the last Four years Before applying SSDI..Is there any hope in any Back payment of thesaid wIting period of Five months ?

why is there a 5 month waiting period? i want to know the reason, my husband was just diognosed with stage 4 prostate cancer thats matstated to his spine, and yes he is approved, but still has to WAIT 5 months , and than i read its 2 years before you get madicare or medicaid. how can you justify this he is 60 and has worked since he was 15, and this is fair. i want to know the reason for the wait. Maybe they should make people applying for welfare wait 5 months

As for Ginger Social Security does not handle Medicaid that you have to apply for at your local Soc Services office! Soc Security offers Medicare after you are disabled for 2 years meaning on SSDI for 2 years I know this is horrible but it’s just the way it is! Go to your local Soc Service office to see if you can get Medicaid for him! Medicaid is difficult to get but that depends on where you live but it pays much better than Medicare, I can promise you that! Also just because he may get Medicaid it will not extend to the rest of his family unless everyone qualifies! I’m just a peon in this world but I do know about these services! Good luck & God Bless you all!

MARC!
Wow! Thank you thank you thank you and thank you! My pet peeve is ignorant people! People that speak words that they think they know what they mean and they think they know what they’re talking about are the stupidest people on the planet! Definitely judgemental, definitely casting a big asshole sticker on their forehead! I’m not even going to try to pretend to be nice here. Shame Shame Shame Kim! I, like Marc, highly suggest you do a bit (oh scratch that)… I mean a whole lot of research! You know read case studies, peer-reviewed articles, study statistics, perhaps a bit of anatomy and physiology and psychology classes would do you a bit of good as well!!!
NEVER JUDGE ANOTHER’S DEMONS! YOU COULD NOT HANDLE THEM!!!

No I was not rude to no one and if you don’t do your job I wI’ll tell on you
And the police refuse to do there joblisa morales is paying ppl to make fun of me with that money and stated that she suposably won the lottery I wanna see the receipt.

Hi Jane. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people aged 65 and older who have limited income and resources. SSDI benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program, you must be “currently insured” or have worked long enough–and recently enough—under Social Security. We hope this information helps.

Don’t know the purpose for this statement unless ,just for show because for some reason, here in Virginia when wade and abuse is reported, it goes in one end of the
Phone receiver and out the other. Virginia nationally gets an F for communication every year. And that’s in most venues.

The SSA DISABILITY PROGRAM IS ONE OF MANY AREAS OF GOVERNMENT ENTITLEMENTS THAT IS RIDDEN WITH FRAUD AND ABUSE. WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXPIRE; DISABILITY CLAIMS SKYROCKET! THERE IS ALMOST NO OVERSIGHT AND CONTROL IN THE ATEACOF DISABILITY BENEFITS.
HOPEFULLY PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADMINISTRATION
WILL GET CONTROL OF THIS WASTE AND FRAUD.

You, my dear, are sadly mistaken. They are under such scrutiny to kick people off, even though they paid in for years, and a physician.caused the disability with a botched surgery.
I know, I was just one who became homeless, and many others have, because “the rules ” are often not explained, you work a bit and it “goes over”. You get a raise, and it “goes over ” all while trying to get reestablished so no insurance is needed. They don’t hesitate to pull the rug right from under you! I hope you never need it!
Nobody ever informs you of these “months of significant work”, or when it is or isn’t. It is such that way that one kind person literally has to tell people “don’t earn over”.. this much”.or you’ll have trouble with it again.”
I saw, posted on a big screen, that they have “recovered” so many billions of dollars. They have really gone through great lengths to find any way to take back what they can, creating lots of scenarios and schemes to do so. Six years of harassment here, even though I am.trying hard to reestablish myself with a new degree and career. Most don’t seem to care but, occasionally, you find someone with empathy who works hard to help you help yourself.

This is the biggest BS. Anyone that has ever navigated the SSD intake program, can tell you, there is a better chance that you will win the lottery, before getting excepted onto the rolls of disability when you are truly NOT totally disabled. the above commenter surely speaks from a time 20 years ago, when one could walk into an SS office, and 4 weeks later, they are getting a check in the mail. Today is a very different time in Social Security. If you were to believe the Republican babble spewed in the above comment, you’d also have to believe that the Fed employs monkey’s as claims adjusters. Trump is proving to be unqualified for the job as President. He will be in for one term unless he’s indicted before it ends! 35% rating…..the lowest for any president EVER! And he’s only 2 months into his term. NICE !!

You can’t just jump from unemployment to disability. Disability takes three years or longer in some cases of being unable to work or receive any funds while you prove your case , hoping your family is kind enough to offer their home to you cause you’ve lost yours to drs bills and inability to have any income. I hope you don’t ever find yourself in need, being sick sucks, having people judge you for being sick sucks even more. But I guess that Goldman Sachs Cabinet of Trumps is going to fix everything.

I am on disability. Our income is greater than going on
SSI. I am on alot of medication, besides diabetic and on two types of insulin, high blood pressure, high colostrol,
high herea heart problems, etc. My husband is also on Heart medication and high colostrol. I will soon get into the GAP with my insurance and will have to pay 100 percent of the cost of my medications. We have to decide if we buy food or put out for the medications. Is there something I can do?

I was also in your shoes, with many of the same illnesses.
I am in no place to give you advice, but started learning about how the body works (and is a fine engine that works hard to repair itself; given the right tools. Often, that isn’t the medication we are given, at least long term.
After I could no.linger afford my medications, I slowly went off all. I don’t know all of it, but a diet without all of the processed food that we allow on the market, and a bit more movement as able. A book named Younger Next Year, by two Drs (sorry, they are packed in.a box, after another move), I don’t remember their names, but it is easy to find with a Google search, or at the bookstore, these Drs inform.about the processed going on inside the body, and how imperative, sick or not, it is too be bodies. It’s in layman’s terms, so easy to understand, for the most part.
I know it is tough, with diabetes, but a diet rich in.all of the colors of the rainbow (fruits and veggies) is imperative for healing.
There is so much information out on healing with good today. I hope you get to find a couple soon!

Hi Loretta, you may want to check and see if you are eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, which may help pay for your medication. You can get information about services in your area from your local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this helps.

check out one of the big pharmacies generic programs for 90 days of meds. ask your doctor to change your med to one in the same class that is generic or ask the pharmaceutical company if they have a program to pay for your meds at a discounted price.

Hi,
God grace you. I am very passing with finacialship to pass the hardships,neither I have got Unemployment benefits so far after applied in Taxas Workforce comission nor I have got disability benefits so far,and neither I have got any job here after applying in various,it seems the mockery claim of the government of U.S.A where without money it is hard to lead the life .Now it is my suggestion to US gov. to open one more department,and name after that “Clinging on Neck Commision” on new commer in U.S.A.

Judging from the comments here, I don’t think any official reads these.

Social Security does not have “strict definitions” of disability, else applicants would be approved within 30 days. Instead, lawyers and advocates delay the approval process in order to collect a percentage of the disabled/poor person’s entitlement, and this often takes 2+ years so that they can collect their own big welfare check at the expense of the least of us. In addition, as is common in courts, there are “experts” waiting for their own welfare checks – such as when a disabled person with, for example, neurofibromatosis, gets a mental health professional assigned to him to violate him with mental health testing. The primary purpose of this is to get that professional paid, with the secondary purpose being violating the disabled person and creating harmful records on him.

The scandal and fraud in the social security disability system is not committed by the poor and disabled people.

The rules require documentation that is credible that you have a condition severe enough to last a year or result in death that prevents substantial and gainful employment for a year or more for jobs that exist in significant numbers in the NATIONAL economy. That is Congress, who you helped elect. It is not the agency. You can’t be paid based on “I am disabled”. It requires proof based on Congressionally provided standards with case law considerations that establishes levels of proof. Most doctors sell you straight down the river because they fail to fill out a short questionnaire or provide evidence. The other issue is that while Congress speaks about undocumented “waste” to stir up the natives to get elected, what they are really doing is understaffing the agency and forcing offices to close in the name of “getting government off your backs.” You fall for it you pay the price. Want a better agency that serves you. You might consider voting for it.

Why don’t you READ THE SSA RULES FOR DISABILITY instead of making false claims based on your own OPINIONS and the OPINIONS of others. Facts directly from the LAW – yes, Social Security, INCLUDING Social Security Disability Insurance, was created by and is operated by LAW. If you want to know what the law says, read the law. Would you let your auto mechanic do a heart transplant on you? Get your information from the ORIGINAL SOURCE, in this case, federal law, That way, at least you’ll have the correct information you need to base your opinions on rather than fantasies created by others in order to scare you…just like fairy tales were intended to get you to obey ypur parents when you were little.

Why don’t you @Maria K Tobias: READ THE SSA’s RULES FOR DISABILITY instead of making false claims based on your own OPINIONS and the OPINIONS of others. I’m referring to facts that come directly from the LAW – yes, Social Security, INCLUDING Social Security Disability Insurance, was both created by and is operated by LAWS. If you want to know what the law says, read the law. Would you let your auto mechanic do a heart transplant on you? I can only imagine whete you got all this gibberish and false nonsense you’re spouting about the Social Security Administration, but none of what you have stated here is true, absolutelt nothing. If you want the actual facts about this agency (or any other government agency), get your FACTS from the ORIGINAL SOURCE, in this case, the text of the federal law. Its very easy to find, and in fact you’ll find just about everything you want to know about the SSA from this very site (except for the legislative history, which is in the Federal Register). At least that way you’ll have the CORRECT information you need to base your opinions on, rather than elaborate fantasies created by others (politicians, right-wing “news” rags, deranged talk show hosts, and their ilk). This claptrap you’re spouting has indeed been thrown about by the right for decades, but it is all fabricated i.e., made up) out of thin air, in order to scare you. And sadly, it appears to have worked, exactly like the fairy tales ypur parents told you when you were little, in order to get you to obey…

Thats not true my disability was approved in six months but the key is I didn’t get paid for the five month waiting period that I didn’t know about until I got my first check. I filed in Feb and got approved in July first check August.

You need to learn the language of the USA, which is English, which is obviously not your native tongue. That or you are illiterate and that is the reason you cannot get a job. You have to have paid into the system to get money out of the SSD program.

MY QUESTION: IF A IDENITY THIEF STEALS MY IDENITY AND COLLECTS SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFTIS USING MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DO I GET REIMBURSED OF STOLEN BENEFITS WHEN I APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY IN MY SENIOR YEARS? HOW DO I GET MY MONEY BACK ?

Yes, if what you are saying is true, you should have a police report! The first thing you should do is, call your local SSI office. Make an appointment RIGHT AWAY !! Take your police record in with you. SSI should already be aware of the identity theft. The checks should have already stopped. But once you get there, they will get you to sign an affidavit, if you haven’t already. They will make the appropriate notes in your file. They will tell you where you stand as to benefits. If they believe that you may have some complicity in the theft, or allowing someone else to use your SS number, than they will investigate you. But chances are, they have already ! If all is good, you get all your credits back. Hope it alll works out for you!

HOW IS IT A FRAUD IS COLLECTING MONEY BY USING MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER? AND BLOCKING ME FROM USING MY OWN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. AFTER I REPORTED THIS FRAUD SEVERAL TIMES TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE IN PERSON AND ONLINE. I AM NOT MARRIED TO THIS PERSON OR PEOPLE THAT CLAIM WERE MARRIED. HOW ARE THEY GETTING ACCESS TO MY ACCOUNT AFTER I HAVE FILED FRAUDULENT USE ON MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER? THEY ARE STILL BUYNG HOMES, CARS, AND BUSINESSES USING MY INFORMATION. , THERE ARE NO JOINT ACCOUNTS.

YOU NEED TO CALL THE POLICE !! Are you related to this person ?? Where you married to them at one time?? I can’t believe SSI has not interceded and frozen your SS number along with all active benefits !!! This story does NOT add up ! But that’s not to say that it can’t happen. Get back to me and let me know regarding my above questions

Hi Della. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information from their website: http://www.idtheft.gov. Or you may call them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

If someone is using your social security number to obtain credit to purchase houses cars and businessesin your name, it is fraud. Fraud means that someone has used your name and social security number to do something in your name without your permission or knowledge. In this case.

However typically fraudsters stealing your name and social security number do not pay the accounts, which is why they would use someone else information, it is to steal.

Once you reported the fraud then I am not exactly sure how they would have been able to obtain further credit to buy houses and cars and businesses.

None the less fraud does happen. This means that people whom you do not know are claiming to be you and co-sign for loans, and claiming you are their spouse yet if that were the case then the accounts would be joint accounts. You specifically stated there were no joint accounts.

So if they were not joint accounts how exactly would it benefit them from claiming you were married. Or were you saying two people claiming to be you and a supposed spouse of yours were obtaining credit? Again this wwould reflect as a joint account.

Unless of course you are talking about someone you live with or once lived with. Perhas you share a computer? And your name is being associated with them. Which is not necessisarily the same as using your social security number. I have see my own name being incorrectly associated with a name of a person whom I once lived with. Because of that association my name was incorrectly listed at one of his addresses. This was easily corrected by contacting the credit reporting agency or where ever it was I saw the incorrect information.

I do not see how anyone could prevent you from using your own information other than the lock on your credit report which happened when you yourself reported fraud.
What I am fairly sure has happened was that when you were applying for some kind of credit , you were blocked because it was a security precaution. If there were no joint accounts and there was fraudulent activinty done by someone claiming to be you, until you have a police report, the credit card or company will not consider it fraud. The rason is simple, without an official police report, many people would simply obtain credit and then say it wasnt them.

In order to have the items removed from your credit report you need to have a copy of the police report, otherwise when you dispute it, there would be no way to prove that you did not obtain the credit yourself and the dispute would then be declined and the information would be put back on your credit report,

If someone you know has tried to obtain credit claiming you are a cosigner but the account was not a joint account, then you can request a copy of the signed documents and submit those to the police as well, it would show the signiture and possibly some kind of ID or employment verification info.

To me it sounds like you are saying that there are some credit report issues and not actually collecting a social security benefit.

To have someone collect a social security benefit unlawfully in your name is a completely different type of fraud and this too can happen. It can be a family member or someone close enough to you to be able to fool the Social security admin to gain a benefit in your name. I know for SSI its very difficult and you cannot own businesses or assest to obtain that , and as far as I know the person would have to know your employment information like a W2 or have your tax records or some kind of identifying information that would easily pop right up if their image on theiir ID isnt the same as on your ID card or drivers license.

I agree with the other post that something isnt adding up. At anyrate, I feel if you were blocked, it was because you reported fraud, and if you think about it, how would a creditor or credit reoprt protect you from anyone else using your social security number if you also were not blocked. If you go back and check the credit report I am pretty sure you will find that its locked and will probably remain that way until you authorize it to be unlocked.

it’s too hard to read and it’s considered “shouting” to those reading this.

it’s DIFFICULT to get ssdi benefits! you have to have drawers full of medical documentation files of supportive drs. showing their records agree with when you explain why you no longer can do sustainable work

took me 5 yrs. & 2 apps to be approved. i have 3 full drawers full of 4 drawer file cabinet!!

When I turned 65 my Disability reverted to just Social Security for my 50 years of working at a variety of Jobs including hard rock underground mining and coal mining. Iv’e 3 knee surgeries, 3 shoulder surgeries, an surgically amputated index finger, multiple broken bones (9), both rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. and macular degeneration in one eye. Will the IRS contact me about paying federal
Income Taxes on the measly amount I receive? I’m pretty well crippled up, with a knee replacement having been diagnosed and the cost of it will require me to pay 20% plus Meds, Radiologist, therapy, and Taxi rides.

Guarantee it. This year, I am audited on 9 grand in income. When I made a search to find out what they feel they would gain from a poor person, I learned that this year they are targeting the very rich and very poor.

I know many business owners, and the amount of things they deduct, even for grown kids phones and fuel is nauseating. Its fraud, but who is looking? Then the subsidies. Do we want to get into the corporate welfare/subsides?
I feel a firestorm coming!

this reply is to RC and Suzanna…. I do understand your stress with and within the system. I am on SSD, and have been since 2009. I was approved in 6 months, never denied once. Here’s why….I was hurt 25 years ago. 3 ruptured discs in my lower back.I was out for 7 years on workers comp. Probably saw 15 different orthopedic and neuro surgeons and doctors, when I finally decided to have surgery. even though I was still in some pain, I was more bored being at home. I went back to work. I worked with a bad back and left leg. Right up till 2003, I learned to deal with the pain. But like the body does, it slowly starts to get worse. I see more Doctors while stilll working. I have a big lumbar fusion surgery, which the doctor s crews up. 6 weeks later another surgeon attempts to ripe all the last doctors hardware out of my back to put new straight hardware back in. He got 2/3 the way and couldn’t get the last and lowest disc to release the incorrect hardware out. So boom…I’m screwed. I awake and my back and especially my left leg feel like they are on fire!!! Now a little more than 20 years after my accident, it’s clear….I can’t work. So now, here’s why my case went so quick and so well. after I applied for benefits, I myself got certified copies of ALL MY MEDICAL REPORTS !! Thats right, from every doctor I had seen. 24 of them. physical therapists as well. All my tests as well. Everything !!! Medical records is the one biggest delay in SSD. Because your claims ajuster will NOT begin to read over and assess your file until they have ALL YOUR RECORDS!!! Doctors offices take an average of 4 months to send SSI your doctors notes. But there is always one set of notes that take 6-7 months. The claims scoring itself takes 4-6 weeks. Another thing I did was wrote the claims person assigned to me, and asked if there was anything I could do to make his gathering work easier. Did he need me to call any medical office that he had to get anything from, to get it to him faster. They were short notes !! But after 6 months, one morning I awoke, and I had a text saying there was $14,000 in my checking acct. I had the money before I was even notified of the approval !! NO ONE GOT A PIECE OF MY CHECK.!!!!! I hired no lawyer !! You truly don’t need one. Neither do you need any of these rip off SSD services to help steal your money. YOU NEED THREE THINGS…..1 YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY BE DISABLED, TOTALLY ……2 GET ALL YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS AND GIVE THEM TO THE CLAIMS PERSON HANDLING YOUR CASE…….AND 3 ……ASK IF THEY NEED HELP GETTING YOUR FILE RECORDS TOGETHER. If you’re denied, and you feel that you are medically qualified to get benefits, then talk to a good lawyer, not one you see on TV. These folks know those guys. They know that they will take ANY case. So you will probably get denied over and over. be prepared when you file. If not, prepare to loose !!

Social Security Administration office only hires people who don’t speak English to do their claim benefits. These people are new immigrants, severe accent, violate human rights, and SSA does this on purpose because they know they can get away with it. If you search the U.K. Europe you’ll soon learn this denial and stealing of peoples benefits has been going on for over a decade and they continuously spend money on technology that separates SSA workers from SSA applicants. Bottom line is SSA should be shut down. Permanently. A new agency should be put in place because this is failing the American people and SSA is timing people out of their benefits. When you work all those years did they request permission to take money out of your paycheck? The answer is No. Why is it when you get into a car accident, illness happens that meds cannot control and your health worsens and now on top of health problems you now have financial worries, the stress is enough to drive people to suicide or the illness will kill them in addition you have now become a burden to your family. So why is SSA denying people their benefits that is rightfully there’s? Why do they even have to prove their disability? If anyone looks at the back of their social security card you will read SSA is a division of Health and Human Services however the SSA office hires people who obey “rules” set up by SSA that’s ignores people’s health and don’t act human. I’ve said my peace. If every American who was denied their right to benefits had a voice instead of crying this SSA would’ve been closed down years ago.

If you are getting disability benefits ssdi and have a child whose mother is getting child benefits because of the father’s disability, what happens to the income Child benefits when the father makes sga working through the trial work period and is not going to receive ssdi anymore?

I broke my back in June 2016 and applied for disability like in July 2016. I was denied in Dec 2016 so I appealed. The average wait time for my area is 15 months. Is there anything else I can do to expedite this case.

Hi Thomas. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Visit our “Hearing And Appeals” web page for more information, and continue working with your local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thanks !

We have a problem with our government when it comes to getting your disability. Why does it take so long to get MY money not the government money? I am slowing losing everything I have worked for since I was 14. I am now 52 and cannot work. Please tell me what it the longest you have to wait (surely the government has a deadline like they do for paying your taxes) to get your disability? I cannot pay my monthly bills so I could possibly lose my house. Please help!!!

Thank you for your comment Evonne. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of your disability and how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources. See “How The Disability Process Works” for more information. If you were initially denied and appealed the decision, a final determination will take longer. Please continue working with your local office if you have specific questions about your claim. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Thanks.

social security has made a big mess of things for me and i don’t know what to do.
i have been on disability ssi/ssa for around four years now, i am an the middle of a review appeal which is stressful enough but around a month ago i find out my insurance isn’t working so i go to social security and apparently my ssa only (not ssi) was accidentally terminated through their system. the lady that worked with me was surprisingly very kind and understanding and sent in a request to fix it right away. i thought, thank goodness that mess is sorted out. well due to the error, i recently received a letter from ssa saying my ssa payment would be deducted 134 dollars per month and took 300 dollars this month for “medicare back due payments” which because i am on disability should not have to be paid and this was all because of the accidental termination. i was told by social security to go to access florida because they’re the ones that pay the medicare, i went and the worker helped me file papers, then i went to the ss office to ask about my payments because the letter made it sound like i would still get paid my normal amount this month but the lady was absolutely unhelpful and quite rude. she just kept interrupting me saying there’s nothing we can do and that i was wrong about the payment set up on the letter. i went back to access florida after (embarrassingly crying and having an anxiety attack) asking if he has any idea when i would get my payments back and if they will pay me what they now owe me and he doesnt have an answer for me. either way i am in need of that money for bills and i am going through this because of their screw ups and nobody can give me a solid answer. i feel hopeless.

We apologize for this inconvenience. Please continue working with your local office and know you can request to speak with the local office manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

The only thing I know is 100% accurate is that people who have put in don’t get to have a say so. people who have not worked get benefits. Not all people are trying to scam the government. Some of us are truly in need of this. After all why do we call it security. ?

Hi Tim, please read our publication “Working While Disabled – How We Can Help”, to learn more about the special rules that make it possible for people receiving Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. Thanks!

Hi Jean. Unemployment insurance benefits are not counted under the Social Security annual earnings test and therefore do not affect your receipt of Social Security benefits. For more information about receiving Social Security and unemployment at the same time, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps

why is it merely impossible to speak to an operator for disability insurance. After being put on hold for 15 minutes the phone gets automatically disconnected.

I merely want to report I have returned back to work, and no matter how I tried to convey the message to EDD it did not go through. there are no forms on line for reporting such thing. believe me I went on line and searched on my personal EDD site and googled until vows came home to no avail.

can someone provide me good info so i can report my return back to work. The last time when I returned to work and even though i reported to them i had gone back to work they made payment and after a week they treated me like a fraud and demanded their money which I immediately returned it.

Hi Jessica. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. If you’re trying to contact Social Security about your work activity, call 1-800 772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We sometimes experience higher than normal call volume. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. To contact the Employment Development Department (EDD) visit their website at http://www.edd.ca.gov/. Thanks!

My question is this. If you have a medically documented disability that meets SSA’s definition of disability, but have to work because you cant survive without working for 6+ months while waiting for a decision. Even though the work is physically exhausting every day. How is this handled?
If SSA told me that a decision would be made within 2 or 3 months, I would stop working because I could survive for that long without supplementing income.

Processing an application for disability benefits can take three to five months. The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of your disability and how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2017, the SGA limit is $1,170 per month (or $1,950 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work. For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps.

Thank you for the information. So if I am currently working and making over $1,950, even though medically I qualify for SSA’s definition of disability, I would be denied? Can I stop working after speaking to a representative and asking how long the process might take? I can’t lose everything I have worked hard for while waiting for a decision even though I am medically disabled. Anyway its been about 3 weeks since I submitted my application and have not gotten a call from anyone.

Hello, I was classified a disabled by Social Security and I am receiving SSI and was told I would not be able to work. I am also a veteran rated at 100% permanent total and I am not allowed to work because of my disability. I have been told by other veterans that they do not have to pay taxes on their SSI because they are 100% permanent total and unable to work. Please send me an Email Thank You
Richard W. Townsley

Hi Richard. First of all, we want to thank you for your service to our country. Since we do not have access to personal information, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media.
Also, some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.

I applied for disability and was denied in 2016. I never appealed because I needed to work. I recently applied again in August 2017 due to worsening medical conditions. My pcp limited my work load to 16 hours a week until he could figure out my chronic condition. My employer recently terminated my employment. At the time no one will hire me because I am not released from my doctors care, I can’t receive unemployment because I am not available for full-time work. My condition is limiting to standing or sitting for certain amounts of time. Any help or advise is appreciated

Hi Jillene, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state that you live, while you wait for a medical determination on your disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps.

I applied for social security disability in 2016, was denied. I hired an attorney and was denied again. It has been waiting to go before a judge since Sept 6,2016. I have no insurance because I can’t afford it. How long does it take to get disability. I am getting behind on my bills and am really stressing.

Hi Connie. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Visit our “Hearing And Appeals” web page for more information, and continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. You may be eligible to receive benefits from social services in your residing state, while you await a medical decision. These services could include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other matters. To get information about services in your area, please visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web site. We hope this information helps.
Thanks !

Thank you for your question, Jacqueline. Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI, pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply as soon as they become disabled. Click here for more information.

I am on total disability and have been diagnosed with metastic breast cancer. I used to have a job with the state of Illinois which have very good medical benefits as well as pay. I can not do much lifting and tire easy, but would I be a canudate for the ticket to work program? I am also a victim of identity theft and have been placing info about it from the FTC at my local libraries I would not be able to work but a few hours a week but need the money. Are there any jobs such as helping people with ID Theft ? Thank you

Hi Shirley. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information in their website: http://www.idtheft.gov. Or you may call them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information about the Ticket to work program, visit Social Security’s website: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/. Thank you!

I am receiving a dis ability benefits- will I be able to continue receiving my benefits if I changed state from California to Nevada.
i just had a stoke 2 years ago and incapacitated to work any longer. I worked from the post office for 22 years when i had a stroke and became handicapped from it.

Hello Liza, both Social Security disability (SSDI) & the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are federal administered programs and are transferable to other states. However, if you are receiving SSI, you must report any new changes, such as your relocation to Nevada to the local Social Security office there.
For Social Security disability (SSDI), you can create a my Social Security account and simply change your address online.
We hope this information helps. Good luck!

I am 84 and widowed. I live in a retirement community in Georgetown, Tx. Since retirement I have developed a back problem which VA doctors say is inoperable. I’m wondering if I would qualify for some House care Assistance Like mopping floors and dusting , and cleaning bathroom. I can handle washing clothes, machine, does all the work.

Just want to say the way I’m treated in my local SSI office in Bozeman, Montana it’s just wrong I’ve been disabled since 1999 and have been repaying a so called over payment that I had nothing to do with it was ssi’s mistake I filled a application for reconsideration ssi did nothing now I filled for ssdi ssi approved me but don’t you know they tell me once again I was over paid so instead of receiving $400 a month because ssi make a mistake I’m only received $10.50 a month I can’t work a ssi government worker told me I could not appeal anything she does well I appeal still nothing

Hi, Maria. Some of our local offices do offer walk-in appointments; however, these appointments are on a first come, first serve basis.To apply for benefits or to make an appointment, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. It will also establish “protective filing” and prevent any loss of benefits. We hope this helps.

My brother-n-law thinks he receives SSI. But, his son has control over it. My brother-n-law doesn’t even know how much his check is a month. He feels his son isn’t being totally honest with him. His son says he’s paying Hospital bills & doctor bills my brother-n-law incurred after having surgery (one of his eyes removed/cancer). My brother-n-law doesn’t know what to do, so he turned to me to see if I can help him out. My brother-n-law is illiterate and can not understand Math. This is why his son has control over his Dad’s monthly check. Will you be able to help us out in this matter?

Hi Beverly, if you suspect misuse of Social Security or SSI benefits, report it. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. If we find misuse occurred, SSA may find a new representative payee. Generally, we look for family or friends to serve as representative payees. When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security looks for qualified organizations to be representative payees.
Please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

called social security office in deridder,la stayed on phone for 40 minutes went to the office and no one was in the lobby i ask the man in the window why he didn’t answer the phone he said the phone rings in the back and it depends on who is back there to pick up the phone in another words no one answers the phone he was not able to help me any way to busy watching the clock.they need to close this office and fire all the people

fille your own disability claims you don’t need a lawyer gather all your medical records then get appoitment and file your claim ,then if your disapproved get a lawyer it would go faster as your claim is already filed people are disapproved quit they don’t pursue the claim this is what social security wants ,then they can give your money to illegals and politicans who pay down their debts

My daughter is 35 years old and has been disabled since she was 6 months of age. I am her legal guardian. She does received SSI and has been insured under my husband’s employer’s insurance her entire life. He is now 65 years old and retiring and I will have to carry the insurance. My employer says that I’m not allowed to cover her because she’s older than 26 and was not insured under my insurance before she reached that age. Is that correct? We live in Illinois

Unfortunately, we cannot provide an answer to your question, Sandi. Your local social services may be able to provide guidance in your situation. Remember that individuals receiving SSI benefits, may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local social services or medical assistance office can give you information about Medicaid. We hope this helps!

I filled out an application to restart my disability in March. I was only off disability for less than a year and lost my job. I understood restarting your disability within a certain amount of time would be very easy but sure is not. I did not receive a check in April because of a “glitch”. I called today to find d out if I would be receiving a check in May and it seems I will not be getting one.
I live alone. I have NO MONEY at all. I lost my car and if I don’t get my disability I will lose my housing. I can’t afford my medication. I had a couple of strokes do to clotting problems. My blood clots too much. Without daily life saving medication I’ll have a stroke and this time I may no make it.
Can someone at the Commissioner’s office ease help me NOW?

Hello Diane. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
You can write to us or send us an email message.
Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels and communicating personal information via email. Thanks.

i need to get either the commissioner or deputy commissioner of the social security administration to talk to me I already sent a letter to the president of the united states but I would like to communicate with the commissioner or deputy commissioner of the social security administration so you are not blindsided by Mr. TRUMP I’m a 11year veteran of the gulf war and hurt my back fighting for your freedom and MR TRUMP is going to want to know why you don’t have the time to talk to me

I have not worked full time in many years due to many health issues. Major being depression and anxiety. What form is it that I need my psychiatrist to fill out? What forms do I need my other specialist to fill out?

I was receiving disability payments from you for 10 years before I reached 65 years of age. I am still disabled now and do not understand why I cannot continue to receive disability payments. Have been told that most people can continue their disability after age 65. What is going on?

Hello Margaret. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same. Thanks!

Hello Riley. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, are based on your earnings prior to becoming disabled and are not subject to income and resource limits. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in the other hand, is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. If you have low income and limited resources, you may be able to receive both benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
To learn more about returning to work visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on disability. We hope this information helps!

Thank you for your question, Wanda. If a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they are no longer eligible for disability benefits.

I am total disable due to a job injury and I lost my job insurance on 06/18/2018 and now I need to see my doctor but I have to self pay. I only get $1588 a month in disability benefits and my medicare wont start until I am 25 months disable. What I suppose to do in the meantime. Is there any options for me. I am diabetic and I have high blood pressure . I cant wait over two years to see a doctor

Hi Patrice, thank you for your question. Since you have not reached your 24-months, you may be eligible to receive assistance from the state where you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems.

Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

Hello Thomas. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2018, the SGA limit is $1,180 per month (or $1,970 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps, thanks!

It’s been 134 days since my disability hearing. I have called Social Security numerous times to find out what is going on with my case. Sometimes I am told it’s waiting to be written. Other times I am told Social Security sent an email to my lawyer about fees and my lawyer hasn’t responded. I don’t know what to believe. I am trying not to lose my house. It’s not much but I have all my belongings and family in it. I can’t get utilities on in the house because it’s in such bad shape but it’s all we can afford to pay for now. I need my disability check so I can afford better living arrangements. How long does it take to write out a decision if the judge has already decided and passed it on to the writers?

We are sorry for your loss, Kathleen. A widow or widower can start receiving reducedsurvivors benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled).
We should be notified immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. To apply for benefits, you or the widow should call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. Thanks.

Hello Ronald. If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). See our “Benefits Planner | Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits” for more information. Thanks!

I have received disability benefits for approx 4 years. I worked very hard for 45 years. I am now 64. So I am now on Medicare instead of Medicaid. So am I on my retirement benefit or still on disability benefit till I’m 65.

Hello. I have been waiting for over a year for disability help. I do have a lawyer but they claim that there is little that they can do and that we are on hold with the disability department until they have time to take us to court. Is there anything that I can do to make the disability department understand that I have been out of work for over a year. I am depleting my savings to the point that if I get called for a kidney transplant I may not be able to pay for medications and living expenses during my recovery. My stress level is high for obvious reasons. Please advice.

Hello Lillian. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area.
Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case.
While waiting for a hearing, you may want to check to see if you are eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services or welfare office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. Thanks.

I collect SSDI and was wondering if you can collect SSI I have rapid cycling bipolar disorder and a panic disorder as well as a broken back and neck from a car accident. I have tried to work on many occasions as I am college educated and I last 2 months or less and my bipolar is so bad I have to get a medication review. Now that I was hurt in a car accident my back won’t take it but the bipolar does not allow me to concentrate, take orders etc. I am a former law enforcement. I was just wondering as it is hard to meet your bills on SSDI since I am now divorced Can I get SSI and SSDI at the same time. I am also on Georgia Help with Medicare. Thank you for your help Heather Grace bearsampeanut@gmail.com

Hi Heather, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. If have low income and limited resources, you may be able to receive SSI benefits in addition to monthly Disability benefits. This is commonly referred to as “concurrent benefits.” To receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved for SSDI, but receive low monthly payments through the program.

Remember that the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The amount of SSI benefits is based, in part, on your income and resources. For SSI eligibility, we will take into consideration any income and resources made available to you. If your SSDI is lower than the SSI Federal benefit rate ($750 in 2018), then you may be eligible for SSI. To inquire about additional benefits, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Hi, Joseph. Once a person reaches their full retirement age, we automatically convert their disability benefits to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same. The individual will receive a written notice of the change. If you have specific questions regarding your benefits, you can also call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps!

I have a friend who receives, Social Security for a disability just going to result death soon. Social security has requested that she appear in an office for an evaluation it’s almost impossible to get her there and I’ve told them so they have no compassion for that situation I can’t believe that they can’t send someone to her. So the net result is if she doesn’t up here in the Social Security I guess you would call inspection office for a medical condition the benefits she needs to live that doesn’t sit well with me and I can’t believe that the demands are that’s trench it for someone who’s prognosis is death

Hi, Lourdes. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. If you still need assistance, you can click “Get Help” in your personal my Social Security account to “Ask a Question”. Click “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. Thanks!

How stupid is it for ssi to even suggest for a unbiased decision .when they send you to see a doctor who does not know you or has ever treated you. He was never sent my va. Medical records. Does not the government even trust themselves. No wonder this great nation is falling apart. Just like its ok for someone from another person that is not a citizen. Never paid into ssi. Still get benefits. When a person that is a us citizen that has worked 44years and has paid ssi every paycheck. And you people are so rude. You must be democrat. To want this county to be destroyed like you want it

Hi, Susan. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For more information on the difference between Social Security disability and SSI, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

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Thanks for your question, Michele. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65. keep in mind you usually don’t pay a monthly Premium for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.” You pay a premium each month for Part B, To learn more, visit our Medicare web page. We hope this helps.

I can’t believe that I owe as much as you say. If you are on top of things, you would have had me in review way before it got this out of hand.I didn’t know that I was getting over payment. So you made a mistake and I’m paying for it.

Hi, George. Thanks for your question. You may be getting our disability programs confused. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For more information on the difference between Social Security disability and SSI, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.